Nowell.
Ho ! crown the Wassel, gossip mine,1
With home-brew’d ale and brown,2
While masque and roundelay combine3
To keep dissension down.4
For sear and grim the woodlands go5
Beneath a random wind,6
And he that would contentment know7
Must leave the world behind.8
So when the merry bells ring out9
Across the frozen fell,10
In heart and voice alike be stout11
To hymn the first Nowell.12
Then join our gallant festival,13
Good people far and near,14
While page and portly seneschal15
Appoint the welcome cheer.16
And deep within the leathern jack17
Leave all untimely woe,18
Till Care, despondent of attack,19
Lies craven in the snow.20
So frolic with the motley rout,21
Beside the ruddy Yule,22
While dance and song take turn about23
In riotous Misrule.24
And as the midnight revels speed,25
We’ll pledge a lusty health,26
That honest purpose win its meed27
Of honour and of wealth.28
But for all rogues of little mind,29
Who true condition lack,30
May each unruly rascal find31
A cudgel to his back.32
Then crown the Wassel, gossip mine,33
With rosemary and bay ;34
So Heaven send each absent friend35
A merry Christmas Day.36